Cultural Awakening

WHEN SHIN AN MOVED to Chicago from her hometown in Wisconsin in 1993, she met architect and designer Suhail and was immediately inspired by his passion and creative vision. At the time Shin predicted she would one day call on Suhail to build her salon vision near a body of water. After living in New York where she worked with Mark Garrison and Paul Labrecque, Shin realized Santa Monica, California, was her waterfront destination and, in 2011, she called on Suhail and simply said, “It’s time.”

Together, the two transformed a 1,200-square-foot, cottage-style retreat into a modern art installation. Dark wooden panels with hand-carved “cultural tattoos” beckon clients, while interior walls soothe with bright mosaics and intricate carvings. Throughout the salon, the artwork pays homage to Shin’s Korean heritage—koi symbolize perseverance and strength, fiery dragons invite good tidings, and cherry blossoms invoke nature and life. To maximize limited space, Suhail designed custom cutting stations with integrated, multi-functional storage carts.

The exterior of the design proved as functionally important as the interior. Suhail also integrated the cultural references into the façade, creating a distinctive look that was iconic with the Shin brand. The main entry to the salon was discreetly relocated to the side, enabling a reception and waiting area with access to an outside patio. Additional deck space was maximized so Shin can offer services, such as massages, threading, facials and make-up application outdoors, further enhancing productivity.

“My mom always said people will drive far to go try a restaurant, they will do the same for hair,” says Shin. “I’m finding she’s right. We’re attracting clients from Malibu, Paci­ c Palisades, Brentwood, even Beverly Hills.”

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About the Author:

Stacey Soble

Stacey Soble has been involved in the conversation of salon business for nearly two decades—as a reporter, a consultant and as the editor in chief of SALON TODAY. She has been responsible for growing the brand's celebrated recognition programs, SALON TODAY 200, and SALONS OF THE YEAR, and has launched two new competitions in recent years--STAMP (SALON TODAY's Annual Marketing Program) and the SALON TODAY Total Makeover Competition. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of salon business at industry events.